President-Elect of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, has expressed profound appreciation to members of the association for entrusting her with the mandate to lead the country’s foremost body of legal practitioners, promising to deliver an inclusive and member-focused administration.

 

In a statement issued following her election, Badejo-Okusanya described the outcome as a victory for all members of the Bar who believed in the vision of “A Bolder Bar That Works for Everyone.”

 

She said the confidence reposed in her by members of the association came with a great sense of responsibility and pledged to lead with integrity, courage, humility, fairness and accountability.

 

“I am truly humbled by the confidence that members of the Nigerian Bar Association have reposed in me by electing me to serve as your President. This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to every member who believed that our Association can be stronger, more inclusive, more responsive, and better positioned to serve the interests of all lawyers,” she said.

 

Badejo-Okusanya noted that her nationwide consultations with lawyers across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory during the campaign provided valuable insights into the aspirations and concerns of members, adding that those engagements would shape her administration.

 

She thanked all lawyers who participated in the election, regardless of the candidates they supported, and urged members to unite behind the common objective of advancing the legal profession and defending justice and the rule of law.

 

“The election is over. We are one Bar, united by a common commitment to the advancement of our profession and the defence of justice and the rule of law,” she stated.

 

The President-Elect also congratulated her fellow contestants for enriching the democratic process and expressed readiness to work with them in building a stronger Nigerian Bar Association.

 

She commended members of the BBOLD Campaign Council, volunteers, coordinators and supporters for their commitment throughout the campaign, describing their sacrifices and dedication as instrumental to her success.

 

Badejo-Okusanya also expressed heartfelt appreciation to her husband, family, mentors and friends for their unwavering support, encouragement and prayers.

 

She assured members that her administration would prioritise their welfare and professional development, with a commitment to creating opportunities that would enable lawyers to earn better, live better and practise better.

 

“The work begins now,” she said, adding that her election marks the beginning of a renewed commitment to building a more responsive, inclusive and progressive association for all members of the Bar.